AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY DLC
(Department OF Nursing Science)
COURSE TITTLE: NURS 429
Submitted by; group 5
COURSE LECTURER:
Mrs. Aisha Suleiman
Question:
1a. Briefly explain what learning is all about.
1b Describe four factors affecting learning.
August, 2024
List of group members
1. Manaja musa
2. Kolo martha
3. Mbamara mercy
4. Augusta Anuchauka
5. Muhammed hafsat
6. Amushu Udaffo
7. Umar Maryam
8. Barisere N. Zorbari
9. Abbas ummulkhairi
10. Attahir muhammad Mahmood
Definition of Learning
Learning is a complex process through which individuals acquire knowledge, skills, behaviors,
and attitudes. It is a fundamental aspect of human development and occurs throughout life in
various contexts, from formal education to everyday experiences. Learning involves cognitive,
emotional, and environmental influences, and it results in relatively permanent changes in an
individual’s potential for responding to future situations.
Importance of Learning
Learning is essential for personal growth, social adaptation, and professional success. It enables
individuals to understand and navigate their environment, solve problems, and make informed
decisions. In a broader sense, learning contributes to societal progress by fostering innovation,
cultural continuity, and economic development.
Types of Learning
1. Formal Learning: This occurs in structured environments like schools, colleges, and
universities, where learning is guided by a curriculum and often leads to certification or
degrees. Examples include classroom education, online courses, and vocational training.
2. Informal Learning: This occurs outside formal educational settings and is often
unstructured and spontaneous. It includes learning through experiences, social
interactions, and self-study. Examples are learning a new language by immersion,
picking up a hobby, or acquiring knowledge through reading or watching
documentaries.
Types of Learning Processes
Cognitive Learning: Involves mental processes such as thinking, understanding, and
remembering. It is concerned with how people process information and how they use
knowledge to solve problems.
Behavioral Learning: Focuses on observable changes in behavior as a result of experiences,
particularly through conditioning and reinforcement.
Social Learning: Emphasizes learning through observing and imitating others, highlighting the
role of social interactions and modeling.
Experiential Learning: Involves learning through direct experience and reflection, often applied
in real-world situations.
Factors affecting learning:
1. Motivation: A learner’s desire or drive to learn can significantly impact their
engagement and persistence. Higher motivation typically leads to more effective
learning.
2. Environment: The physical and social environment, including factors like noise, lighting,
peer support, and access to resources, can either enhance or hinder the learning
process.
3. Prior Knowledge: The background knowledge and skills a learner already possesses can
influence how easily they grasp new concepts. Learners with a solid foundation are
often able to learn new information more quickly.
4. Cognitive Abilities: Individual differences in cognitive functions such as memory,
attention, and problem-solving skills can affect how efficiently a person learns and
retains information.
Reference
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes.
Harvard University Press.
Gagné, R. M., Wager, W. W., Golas, K. C., & Keller, J. M. (2005). Principles of instructional design
(5th ed.). Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
Schunk, D. H. (2020). Learning theories: An educational perspective (8 th ed.). Pearson.
